Continuous partial obstruction during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep

This polysomnogram demonstrates continuous partial obstruction, occurring during NREM)sleep. Continuous partial obstruction is common in children and is clinically significant but is not reflected in the polysomnographic scores for apnea and hypopnea. Therefore, this form of sleep-disordered breathing tends to be underestimated by polysomnography. Symptoms suggesting partial obstruction include head hyperextension and open-mouth breathing.

In this tracing, signs of continuous partial obstruction include snoring (SNORE tracing, in blue), paradoxical breathing (chest and abdominal movements are, in this case, slightly out of phase), and airflow limitation shown on the nasal pressure manometer (Nasal PR tracing is flow-limited on inspiration).